Packers must account for Commanders' rising star in Week 2 1 Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley surveys practice on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Packers ideal trade target could be emerging

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 1:57 PM ET

As the NFL trade deadline rapidly approaches, the Packers have few glaring needs, but one position that could use a significant upgrade.

Given the outsized pressure and significance defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s system places on elite secondary play, cornerback could be a position that general manager Brian Gutekunst and Green Bay look to upgrade with a move before the November 4 trade deadline.

Alontae Taylor an ideal Packers trade target

There is a belief among agents and league executives that players on expiring contracts will be the most likely to be dealt ahead of the trade deadline.

Fortunately for the Packers, there is a young up-and-coming cornerback who fits the bill, currently tolling away in the last-place New Orleans Saints secondary.

Alontae Taylor is on the final year of his rookie deal, and could be a perfect candidate to upgrade the Packers’ defensive backfield.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes, of Taylor. “The Saints don’t want to trade Taylor but would consider it if they receive a strong offer. He is on the radar of a few teams. Taylor is a 2026 free agent who figures to earn a big payday, and it’s worth noting that the Saints have a young core of defensive backs they like in Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley and Jonas Sanker.”
Taylor, 26, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, but could play his way into a long-term deal with the Packers if he finishes strong over the second half of the season.

Through the first three-plus seasons of his career, Taylor has posted 246 total tackles with two interceptions and 45 pass breakups. Adding Taylor into Hafley’s defense, could be the missing piece to elevate the Packers’ chances of making a run at the Super Bowl.

Packers could trade Luke Musgrave to plug biggest need 2 Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (13) makes a reception in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) during the second quarter of their game Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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